Why is Caramel macchiato classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is considered ultra‑processed because it combines whole‑milk, coffee extract, sugar and several refined ingredients that are not used in traditional home cooking; the label lists four food additives: carrageenan (E407) as a stabiliser, guar gum (E412) as a thickener, potassium carbonate (E501) as an acidity regulator, and mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) as an emulsifier.

How does the sugar content in this drink affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 8.6 g of sugar per 100 ml, the beverage can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes, while its low salt (0.09 g) is not a concern for hypertension, but the overall high sugar still recommends limited consumption.

Is the milk in Caramel macchiato a concern for lactose‑intolerant consumers?

Yes; the product is 75 % milk and lists milk as an allergen, so it contains lactose and is not suitable for lactose‑intolerant individuals.

Starbucks • 220 ml

Caramel macchiato

Beverages

Product Insights

Caramel macchiato is a 220 ml UHT‑sterilized flavored milk drink made with 75 % milk (1.8 % fat), Starbucks® arabica coffee, sugar and caramel flavoring. It falls under the sweetened‑beverage category, bears a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra‑processed product, containing added sugars (8.6 g per 100 ml), 1 g saturated fat and four additives such as carrageenan, guar gum, potassium carbonate and mono‑ and diglycerides. While it supplies 2.9 g of protein per 100 ml and calcium from milk, the high sugar load and additive content make it more of an occasional treat than a nutritious daily beverage.

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 ml

Energy Kcal62 kcal

Fat1.9 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates9 g

Sugars8.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sweetened beverage, this Caramel macchiato contains less sugar (8.6 g vs 15.7 g) and less salt (0.09 g vs 0.35 g) but higher fat (1.9 g vs 0.73 g), saturated fat (1 g vs 0.7 g) and protein (2.9 g vs 1.06 g), resulting in lower calories per 100 ml.

Ingredients

_lait_ (contient 1,8% de matières grasses) 75%, café arabica Starbucks® (eau, extrait de café) 20%, sucre, arôme caramel (contient du _lait_), correcteur d'acidité (carbonates de potassium), stabilisants (carraghénanes, gomme guar), émulsifiants (mono et diglycérides d'acides gras d’origine végétale),

84%

35%

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